Lights, Camera, Action! Oregon Film Trail Shines spotlight on State’s Cinematic History

Oregon’s cinematic legacy is taking center stage with the Oregon Film Trail, a project highlighting locations from over 700 films, including iconic movies like The Goonies, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Stand by Me, and the Twilight series. The Oregon Film Trail underscores the enduring impact of film production on local communities. Jane Ridley, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Programs at Oregon Film, emphasizes how these communities benefit from being featured on the Oregon Film Trail map. With 43 signs already installed, the trail is becoming a major tourist attraction and a source of local pride.

Spearheaded by Oregon Film, the Oregon Film Trail aims to connect movie enthusiasts with the real-world locations of their favorite films. The initiative not only celebrates Oregon’s rich film history, dating back to 1908, but also provides a tangible economic boost to the regions where these movies were filmed. the goal is to reach 50 signs in the near future, solidifying the Oregon Film Trail as a robust and impactful program.

The Genesis of the Oregon Film Trail

The concept for the Oregon Film Trail emerged from a desire to showcase the communities that have served as backdrops for countless films.According to Ridley, film tourism gained significant traction after the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought to experience their favorite movie and TV locations firsthand.Prior initiatives, such as an oregon film props and costume exhibit in 2016 and a mural at Portland International Airport in 2018, revealed a lack of awareness about oregon’s extensive film history. This realization sparked the idea of installing physical signposts to highlight these locations.

Even tho we live in in a digital world, I loved the idea of installing physical signposts—something tangible that people can see, stand next to and take pictures of. And that’s how the idea of the Oregon Film Trail was born. Oregon was the first state that we certainly know of to have a physical film trail. Other states and cities have started doing it now, but I’m proud to say Oregon was first.

Astoria: The Trail’s Inaugural Stop

The Oregon Film Trail began in Astoria, a city with a rich cinematic past. the Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and the Oregon Film Museum collaborated to install the first three signs. These signs marked locations from The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and Short circuit. One sign for The Goonies was placed outside the jail, offering a view of the iconic Goonies house. Another, for Kindergarten Cop, was situated by the waterfront, overlooking the elementary school used in the film. The third sign commemorated short Circuit at Alameda Park, with a view of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, famously featured in the movie.

Expansion and Funding

Following the success of the initial signs, the trail expanded to include the Hammond Marina in Warrenton, the filming location for Free Willy. Initially, the program relied on a grant-by-grant basis for funding and installation. Though,the funding model has as been streamlined,resulting in 43 signs currently in place. Oregon Film aims to reach 50 signs in the near future, solidifying the Oregon Film trail as a robust and impactful program.

LaGrande: A Unique Addition

The most recent addition to the Oregon Film Trail is in LaGrande, showcasing the indie movie Breakup Season. This sign came about at the request of the filmmakers themselves, who believed it would draw attention to both the film and the trail. The ribbon-cutting ceremony coincided with the film’s premiere in LaGrande,generating media coverage in outlets such as OPB,Yahoo,and the LaGrande Observer.

community Collaboration

Oregon Film collaborates closely with local communities throughout the process of installing a sign. The Oregon Made Creative Foundation, a 501(3)(c) organization, initially provided funding for the signage. Now, Oregon Film offsets costs thru in-kind work, enabling communities to fund the remaining expenses. This collaborative approach ensures that the signs are strategically placed and effectively utilized for local promotion.

We partner with them all the way from writing copy for the sign through to promotion onc it is indeed installed. We try to make it as easy as possible for the communities we work with,and we take the lead from community partners on where an Oregon film Trail sign would be best placed and how they want to utilize it for their promotional needs,knowing that it will be part of the larger statewide trail.

Economic Impact and Film tourism

The Oregon Film Trail leverages the significant economic potential of film tourism. According to Film Market Insights, film tourism is a $66 billion industry globally, projected to reach $110 billion by 2030.An Expedia study revealed that 39% of global travelers book trips after seeing a show on TV or a movie, surpassing the influence of social media. the Oregon Film Trail taps into this trend, promoting Oregon’s film history and culture while providing economic benefits to participating communities.

The value is leveraging what has become a significant sector of tourism. When a TV show or a film is shot on location, it’s like the circus comes to town and there’s all this economic stimulus—and then the show leaves. But it leaves behind promotable assets – from set to asset if you will. The Oregon Film Trail has always been about the fact that the leading roles in these films realy end up going to the communities in which they’re shot. The location is the backdrop but it’s also the star in our eyes. Having a stop on the Oregon Film Trail in your community means that you’re using the assets you have to promote tourism and create economic impact.

Digital Integration with SetJetters

The Oregon Film Trail extends beyond physical signs through a partnership with setjetters, a film tourism app.This app allows users to navigate to film-

Lights, Camera, Action! Unveiling Oregon’s Cinematic Treasures Through Innovative Film Tourism

Did you know that film tourism is a booming global industry, projected too surpass $100 billion in the near future? Oregon is capitalizing on this trend with its groundbreaking Oregon Film Trail, transforming the state’s cinematic heritage into a thriving economic engine.

Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance, Film Tourism Expert

World-Today-News: Dr. Vance, the Oregon film Trail is garnering important attention. Can you explain its importance in the broader context of film tourism and community growth?

Dr.vance: The Oregon Film Trail is a truly innovative approach to film tourism. It’s not just about showcasing iconic movie locations; it’s about strategically leveraging these sites to revitalize local economies and foster a sense of community pride. By physically marking filming locations with signs, Oregon is literally putting its cinematic history on the map, creating a tangible experience for visitors. This “set to asset” approach is incredibly effective. it’s a powerful example of how a state can transform its filming locations into actively generating assets that attract tourists and support related businesses – restaurants, hotels, and local shops. This direct economic impact considerably benefits the communities where the films were shot and boosts overall tourism within the state.

World-Today-News: Many states boast iconic filming locations. What makes Oregon’s approach unique and so effective?

Dr. Vance: Several key factors contribute to Oregon’s success. First,the collaboration between Oregon Film,local communities,and organizations like the Oregon Made Creative Foundation is essential. This collaborative approach ensures that the signs are strategically placed and effectively promote both the film and the community. Moreover, the initiative’s digital integration with SetJetters, the film tourism app, extends its reach beyond physical locations, allowing tourists to plan their film-themed trips digitally. The inclusive strategy considers both physical and digital needs of modern travelers. The Oregon model also prioritizes engaging local communities; the initiative doesn’t simply impose the trail upon them but works alongside them ensuring effective utilization of the trail. This holistic approach fosters a sense of ownership and maximizes the impact of the project. by concentrating on a physical trail with visible markers it appeals to a much wider demographic compared to purely digital initiatives.

World-Today-News: Can you elaborate on the economic impact of film tourism and how the Oregon Film Trail contributes to this?

Dr. Vance: Film tourism is a significant economic driver. Studies show that a significant percentage of travelers plan trips based on seeing locations featured in movies or TV shows, surpassing social media’s influence.The Oregon Film Trail strategically taps into this trend. Each sign not only commemorates a specific film but also draws visitors to the local community,boosting spending in local businesses. The cumulative effect of this increased tourism creates a cycle of economic growth, enriching the lives of those in the community. This is more profound than a simple ‘circus coming to town’ phenomenon; it’s a sustainable strategy that positions these areas as film-tourism destinations for many years to come. The tangible nature of the physical trail also reinforces longer-term tourism potential, a key factor often missed in purely digitally focused initiatives.

World-Today-News: What are some key takeaways for other states or regions looking to replicate Oregon’s success in developing film-based tourism initiatives?

Dr. Vance: I would strongly suggest the following:

Community Collaboration: Engage local communities as active partners, not just passive recipients.

Tangible Assets: Combine physical markers (like Oregon’s signs) with a digital strategy for wider reach.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with film organizations, tourism boards, and private sector partners.

Sustainable funding: Develop a long-term funding model that isn’t solely reliant on grants.

* Data-Driven Approach: Track metrics to assess the impact of the initiative and continuously improve it.

World-Today-News: Thank you, Dr. Vance. Your insights offer valuable guidance for anyone interested in leveraging film tourism for community development. The Oregon Film Trail stands as a powerful example of how a well-planned model can transform a love for cinema into significant economic growth and lasting community pride.

we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Share your experiences with film tourism or suggestions for other communities! And don’t forget to share this article on social media!